ICAR-CIFT Organises Awareness Programme on Entrepreneurship Opportunities in the Fisheries Post-Harvest Sector

Inauguration of Awareness Programme on “Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Fisheries Post-Harvest Sector

The ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, successfully organised a one-day Awareness Programme on “Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Fisheries Post-Harvest Sector” on 16 December 2025, bringing together entrepreneurs, startups, students, researchers, and industry stakeholders to explore business opportunities and technology-driven solutions in the fisheries post-harvest domain. This was organised by the Matsya Fisheries Incubation Centre in association with the Zonal Technology Management – Agribusiness Incubation (ZTM-ABI) Centre of ICAR-CIFT.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Bindu J., Head of the Fish Processing Division, ICAR-CIFT, who highlighted the growing scope for innovation and enterprise development support in ICAR-CIFT. The programme was inaugurated by Shri. M. Habibullah, Director, Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET), Kochi. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, who emphasised the role of ICAR-CIFT as a national hub for incubation and entrepreneurship support. The event was graced by Dr. K.N. Raghavan, IRS, Chief Executive Officer of the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), and Shri. Alex Ninan, Vice President of SEAI, as the Guests of Honour. Both speakers underscored the importance of strengthening industry–research linkages and promoting technology adoption to enhance the global competitiveness of India’s seafood sector.

Address by Chief Guest, Shri. M. Habibullah, Director, CIFNET, Kochi

A series of technical and entrepreneurial sessions was conducted by scientists of ICAR-CIFT, providing participants with comprehensive insights into fisheries incubation processes, fish processing and value-addition ventures, seafood waste utilisation, advancements in seafood packaging, quality assurance and management technologies, microbiology and biotechnology-based innovations, and nutrition-oriented fisheries products. These sessions showcased ICAR-CIFT’s diverse technology portfolio and its relevance for startup creation and enterprise scaling.

The event also included technical sessions focused on regulatory and financial enablement for entrepreneurs. Ms. Dhanya K.N., Deputy Director, FSSAI, Kochi, explained FSSAI guidelines for starting food businesses, while Dr. Deepu Krishnan P. R., Assistant Manager, Kerala Start-Up Mission (KSUM), outlined startup schemes and support mechanisms available in Kerala. Industry perspectives were shared through sessions on engineering technologies of ICAR-CIFT, and innovative packaging solutions by ProQ Technologies LLP. Mr. Sathyan K. P., Chief Manager, SBI Agri CPC, Ernakulam, detailed loan products and incentive schemes supporting agribusiness development.

The programme concluded with a guided visit to the Fisheries Incubation Centre (FIC), ZTM-ABI Centre, and pilot plant facilities of ICAR-CIFT, providing participants with first-hand exposure to incubation infrastructure and pilot-scale processing technologies. The awareness programme reinforced ICAR-CIFT’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and sustainable growth in the fisheries post-harvest sector.